euphemism

noun/juːfəmɪzəm/

Frequency rank: #14,053 most common English word

Meaning

A mild or indirect word used in place of one that might seem harsh or blunt.

Illustration for the English word “euphemism”

Example sentence

Calling someone 'let go' instead of 'fired' is euphemism used in the workplace.

Synonyms & related words

Practice this word in the quiz

More words in ranks 14,001–14,100